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The ankle is one of the most common sites of musculoskeletal injury. In a series of 1176 athletic injuries, 14% were found to be injuries of the ankle, and 85% of those were specifically sprains of ankle ligaments [1]. Although many ankle ligaments can be well assessed by an operator trained in ultrasound techniques, evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers the advantages of a comprehensive and operator-independent examination [2]. In this article, a practical review of MRI of ankle ligaments is presented. The discussion is limited primarily to the ligaments surrounding the tibiotalar joint, particularly the inferior tibiofibular syndesmotic ligaments and the medial and lateral collateral ligaments (Table 1). Because of its close association with the deltoid ligament, the spring ligament is also included. Ligament names are represented by unambiguous abbreviations similar to those appearing in the literature [3e5]. For each ligament, normal anatomy, MRI appearance, and function will be addressed. Next, with regards to the injured ligament, basic mechanisms of injury will be reviewed, taking into consideration differing opinions in the literature that, in some cases, diverge from the classic teachings of Lauge and Hansen [3]. Because ligament injury usually manifests itself in similar ways, such as abnormal signal intensity (intrasubstance or periligamentous) or abnormal morphology (thickening, thinning, discontinuity, absence, irregularity, indistinctness, or heterotopic ossification) [2,4,6], additional imaging clues to injury that are ligamentspecific will be emphasized. Finally, because chronic injury

Injury of the deltoid ligament as a component of the lateral malleolus fractures is caused by the fact rotational forces during the support. The aim of this research is to examine the functional results of the patient who had undergone suture of the deltoid ligament and osteosynthesis of fracture of the lateral malleolus. In a retrospective study the analysis included a series of 45 patients. The diagnosis of rupture of the deltoid ligament is made based on physical findings islands and tenderness in the region of the deltoid ligament and roentgenographic confirmation width of the medial joint space > 4 mm. There is a high degree of correlation with the 25 (55.55%) patients between excellent functional outcomes of treatment calculated by Gregory[11] score and great roentgenographic findings by Konrath score[12]. The total clinical scores of subjective and objective clinical assessment by Gregory of a sample of patients, characterized by an excellent, even with the 40 (88.89%) patients. In the literature there is no agreement on the method of treatment of the deltoid ligament rupture associated with fractures of the lateral malleolus. Based on theoretical considerations, a number of authors advocate surgical treatment discontinued deltoid ligament. In our series, using suture of the deltoid ligament and osteosynthesis of the lateral malleolus, the best results are obtained with the PAB fracture, lower percentages of excellent results is with the SER fractures. The worst result was obtained with the PER type fracture. Anatomical and functional integrity of all parts of the talocrural joint that allows harmony of movement and stability is achieved with osteosynthesis of lateral malleolus and suture of the deltoid ligament.

The most important determinant in the treatment of malleolar fractures is stability. Stable fractures have an intact deep deltoid ligament and do not displace with functional treatment. If the deep deltoid/medial malleolar complex is disrupted, the talus is at risk of displacement. Weber (2010) showed that weightbearing radiographs predicted stability in patients with undisplaced ankle fractures. We developed clinical criteria for potential instability and applied them to a prospective series of patients. The criteria included a medial clear space of

Recent literature supports early reconstruction of severe acute lateral ligament injuries in professional athletes, suggesting earlier rehabilitation and reduced recurrent instability incidence. Not previously reported, predicting the time to return to training and play is important to both athlete and club. We evaluate the effectiveness and complications of lateral ligament reconstruction in professional athletes. We aim to estimate the time to return to training and sports in both isolated injuries and patients with additional injuries. A consecutive series of 42 athletes underwent modified Brostrom repair for clinically and radiologically confirmed acute grade III lateral ligament injury. Of 42, 30 had isolated complete rupture of ATFL and CFL. Of 42, 12 had additional injuries (osteochondral lesions, deltoid ligament injuries). All patients received minimum of 2 years post-operative assessment. The median return to training and sports for isolated injuries was 63 days (49–110) and 77 days (56–127), respectively. However, for concomitant injury results were 86 days (63–152) and 105 days (82–178). This delay was significant (p

Hintergrund: Frakturbegleitende Rupturen des Lig. deltoideum verursachen eine Instabilitat des Sprunggelenks und konnen zu einer fruhzeitigen Arthrose fuhren. Ziel der Studie war es, bei Frakturen des Malleolus lateralis Typ Weber B und C die Zuverlassigkeit der Sonografie (US) im Vergleich zur Magnetresonanztomografie (MRT) bez. der Diagnosestellung von Lig.-deltoideum-Rupturen zu untersuchen. Patienten und Methoden: Im Rahmen einer diagnostischen Vergleichsstudie wurde bei 42 Patienten mit Malleolus-lateralis-Fraktur (28 Typ B, 14 Typ C) praoperativ das Lig. deltoideum mit seinen 4 Komponenten per US und MRT untersucht und nach den 3 Gruppen „intakt“, „Teilruptur“ und „Ruptur“ klassifiziert. Ergebnisse: 10 von 28 Patienten (35,7 %) mit Fraktur Typ Weber B und 12 von 14 Patienten mit Fraktur Weber C (85,7 %) wiesen eine Bandverletzung im MRT auf. Mittels Sonografie konnten alle 17 Patienten mit einer Ruptur des Lig. deltoideum identifiziert werden (Sensitivitat 100 %, Spezifitat 92 %), jedoch nur die Halfte der 6 Patienten, die eine Teilruptur erlitten hatten (Sensitivitat 50 %, Spezifitat 97,2 %). Bei der Evaluation der 4 Teilkomponenten des Lig. deltoideum wurden 26 von 30 Rupturen (Sensitivitat 86,6 %, Spezifitat 96,3 %) und 13 von 27 Teilrupturen (Sensitivitat 48,1 %, Spezifitat 97,8 %) sonografisch richtig erkannt. Schlussfolgerung: Die Sonografie eignet sich zur Identifikation von unverletzten Bandanteilen und zur Diagnostik von Rupturen des Lig. deltoideum, wie sie haufig bei Frakturen des Malleolus lateralis Typ Weber B und C vorkommen. Eine sichere Identifikation von Teilrupturen ist hingegen nicht moglich. Somit kann die Sonografie durch Detektion einer klinisch und radiologisch nicht offensichtlichen medialen Instabilitat direkten Einfluss auf das therapeutische Vorgehen nehmen.

Irreducible ankle fracture-dislocations are rare. Several cases of irreducible ankle fracture-dislocation have been reported in published studies secondary to the tibialis posterior tendon, deltoid ligament, or extensor digitorum longus tendon blocking the reduction. We report a case of irreducible ankle fracture-dislocation resulting from posteromedial subluxation of the tibialis anterior tendon around a medial malleolar fracture fragment. Ultimately, the ankle required open reduction of the incarcerated tendon to reduce the joint and proceed with internal fixation of the associated fracture. The patient's postoperative course was uncomplicated, and the tibialis anterior tendon was functioning at 10 months postoperatively, after which he did not return for follow-up examinations. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of the tibialis anterior tendon blocking closed reduction of an ankle fracture-dislocation.

Acute deltoid injuries may occur with ankle fractures. They are often left to heal without repair, possibly leading to chronic medial ankle instability. Stress radiographs identify the need for surgical repair of fractures or soft tissue damage. Gravity stress views have benefits over manually stressing the ankle. MRI can explore the extent of medial soft tissue injuries. Arthroscopy can evaluate and potentially treat deltoid injuries. Interposition of the deltoid may preclude adequate fracture reduction. Except with deltoid tear, fractures should be reduced and fixated, then the deltoid assessed. With persistent instability, primary repair may prevent long-term sequelae.

Background: The deltoid ligament (DL) is the principal ligamentous stabilizer of the medial ankle joint. Little is known, however, about the contribution of the DL toward stabilizing the syndesmosis. The aim of this study was to arthroscopically evaluate whether the DL contributes to syndesmotic stability in the coronal plane. Methods: Eight above-knee cadaveric specimens were used in this study. A lateral hook test was performed by applying 100 N of lateral force to the fibula in the intact state and after sequential transection of the DL, anterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), interosseous ligament (IOL), and posterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL). At each stage, distal tibiofibular diastasis was measured arthroscopically at both the anterior and posterior third of the incisura and compared to stress measurements of the intact syndesmosis. Measurements were performed using probes ranging from 0.1 to 6.0 mm, with 0.1-mm increments. Results: There was no significant increase in diastasis at either the anterior or posterior third of the tibiofibular articulation after isolated DL disruption, nor when combined with AITFL transection. In contrast, a significant increase in diastasis was observed following additional disruption of the IOL (anterior and posterior third diastasis, P= .012 and .026, respectively), and after transection of all 3 syndesmotic ligaments (anterior and posterior third diastasis, P=.001 and .001, respectively). Conclusion: When evaluating the syndesmosis arthroscopically in a cadaveric model under lateral stress, neither isolated disruption of the DL nor combined DL and AITFL injuries destabilized the syndesmosis in the coronal plane. In contrast, the syndesmosis became unstable if the DL was injured in conjunction with partial syndesmotic disruption that included the AITFL and IOL. Clinical relevance: Disruption of the DL appeared to destabilize the syndesmosis in the coronal plane when associated with partial disruption of the syndesmosis (AITFL and IOL).

Background: Anatomy of the medial collateral and spring ligament complexes has been the cause of confusion. The anatomic description is highly dependent on the source studied and little agreement exists between texts. In addition, inconsistent nomenclature has been used to describe the components. This study attempted to clarify confusion through the creation of a 3D ligament map using attachment-based dissection. Methods: Nine fresh foot and ankle specimens were observed. The medial collateral ligament and spring ligament complexes were dissected using their attachment sites as a guide to define individual components. Each component’s perimeter and thickness was measured and each bony attachment was mapped using a microscribe 3D digitizer. Results: Five components were identified contributing to the ligament complexes of interest: the tibiocalcaneonavicular, superficial posterior tibiotalar, deep posterior tibiotalar, deep anterior tibiotalar, and inferoplantar longitudinal ligaments. The largest component by total attachment area was the tibiocalcaneonavicular ligament followed by the deep posterior tibiotalar ligament. The largest ligament surface area of attachment to the tibia and talus was the deep posterior tibiotalar ligament. The largest attachment to the navicular and calcaneus was the tibiocalcaneonavicular ligament, which appeared to function in holding these bones in proximity while supporting the head of the talus. Conclusion: By defining complex components by their attachment sites, a novel, more functional and reproducible description of the medial collateral and spring ligament complexes was created. Clinical Relevance: The linear measurements and 3D maps may prove useful when attempting more anatomically accurate reconstructions.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to determine whether radiographic foot measurements can predict injury of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT) and the supporting structures of the medial longitudinal arch as diagnosed on MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS. After institutional review board approval, 100 consecutive patients with radiographic and MRI examinations performed within a 2-month period were enrolled. Thirty-one patients had PTT dysfunction clinically, and 69 patients had other causes of ankle pain. Talonavicular uncoverage angle, incongruency angle, calcaneal pitch angle, Meary angle, cuneiform-to-fifth metatarsal height, and talar tilt were calculated on standing foot or ankle radiographs. MRI was used to assess for abnormalities of the PTT (tenosynovitis, tendinosis, and tear) and supporting structures of the medial longitudinal arch (spring ligament, deltoid ligament, and sinus tarsi). Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square and Fisher exact tests for categoric variables; the Student t test was used for continuous variables. RESULTS. There was a statistically significant association of PTT tear with abnormal talonavicular uncoverage angle, calcaneal pitch angle, Meary angle, and cuneiform-to-fifth metatarsal height. PTT tendinosis and isolated tenosynovitis had a poor association with most radiologic measurements. If both calcaneal pitch and Meary angles were normal, no PTT tear was present. An abnormal calcaneal pitch angle had the best association with injury to the supporting medial longitudinal arch structures. CONCLUSION. Radiographic measurements, especially calcaneal pitch and Meary angles, can be useful in detecting PTT tears. Calcaneal pitch angle provides the best assessment of injury to the supporting structures of the medial longitudinal arch.

Introduction. Ankle joint fractures are one of the most common injuries dealt with by orthopedic surgeons. Objective. To determine to what extent do diagnostics, estimation and choice of treatment of tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries affect the final clinical result. Patients and Methods. The study represents retrospective-prospective analysis of the data obtained from 102 patients treated for ankle injury due to malleolar ankle joint fractures and tibiofibular syndesmosis at the Clinic of Traumatology. The average value of monitoring was 61.62 months. According to the Danis-Weber classification, C1 fracture was present in 77 respondents (75.49%); C2 in 23 (22.5%); and C3 fracture in 2 respondents (1.96%). The Danis-Weber classification was used in this paper and hence we divided 102 patients with type C fractures according to the above mentioned classification. The first group (G1) was consisted of 48 (47%) patients who had undergone the syndesmotic screw fixation during the surgery treatment of fracture stabilization. The second group (G2) was consisted of 54 (53%) patients who did not require the syndesmotic screw fixation during the surgery treatment of fracture stabilization. The syndesmotic screw was placed in cases of: supra-syndesmotic fractures of the fibula associated with rupture of the deltoid ligament and fracture types according to the Topliss A and B. Three, six and twelve months after the surgery, the clinical results were examined using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scoring scale. Discussion. All acute unstable injuries should be treated surgically, which includes the deltoid ligament repair, open reduction and internal fixation of the injured syndesmosis. This is considered to be the best way to avoid unwanted complications. Conclusion. There was no significant difference in the final results of treatment between patients from the group G1, where the syndesmotic screw fixation was performed, and patients from the group G2, where the syndesmotic screw fixation was not performed.

Purpose: To compare the prevalence of abnormal MRI findings associated with lateral ankle trauma in injured and contralateral ankles to identify lesions that may be pre-existent. Material and methods: The study was approved by the institutional review board and informed consent was obtained from all subjects. 195 patients (mean age 37.5+14.7 years; 43% male) who visited their general practitioner 6-12 months earlier with an ankle sprain were selected. All patients completed a standardized questionnaire and underwent MRI (1.5T) of both ankles. Structural MRI abnormalities in the injured and contralateral ankle were compared using the McNemar test (for paired samples). Results: Bone marrow edema was frequently seen in the injured and contralateral ankle at the talocrural joint (25.1% versus 14.8%) and subtalar joint (24.6% versus 8.7%), but significantly more frequently in the injured ankle. Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) lesions were frequently found in both ankles, in 55.9% and 37.4% of injured ankles respectively and in 17.9% and 5.6% of contralateral ankles respectively. Fractures, anterior and posterior tibiofibular ligament lesions, deltoid ligament lesions and signs of talonavicular osteoarthritis were almost exclusively found in injured ankles. Peroneal ligament lesions were not frequently found in both ankles. Conclusions: The prevalence of structural MRI abnormalities in patients presenting with a previous ankle sprain in primary care is very high. However, especially bone marrow edema and lateral ligament lesions can also be found in a substantial percentage of contralateral ankles and may be either pre-existent or due to increased stress on the contralateral ankle after an ankle injury Correlation with clinical findings is essential. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

To compare the biomechanical characteristics of suture-button fixation versus ligament reconstruction using semitendinosus tendon autograft in treatment of syndesmotic injury in cadaver biomechanical study. Eight matched pairs of human cadaveric lower-extremities were measured intact, then following simulated syndesmosis injury by cutting the anterior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), the distal 15 cm of the interosseous membrane (IO), and the deltoid ligament. Thereafter, the syndesmotic injury was treated by suture-button fixation or ligament reconstruction. The semitendinosus tendon was harvested as a graft. Biomechanical testing was performed after the surgical fixation. The foot underwent rotation from neutral position to an external rotation at a rate of 5°/s to 12.5 Nm. The three-dimensional syndesmotic diastasis readings, final rotation torque, and rotational angle were recorded. No difference was found in fibular displacements between two groups. Moreover, no significant difference was found in final rotation torque (11.95 ± 1.03 VS 11.66 ± 1.18 Nm, P = 0.62) and rotation angle (43.61° ± 14.77° VS 40.93° ± 10.94°, P = 0.56) in the suture-button group and ligament reconstruction group. The stability of the suture-button fixation was equivalent to ligament reconstruction using semitendinosus tendon autograft in treatment of syndesmotic injury as determined with biomechanical testing. However, this study does not prove that one is advantageous over the other.

Background Spring ligament tear is often found in advanced adult acquired flatfoot deformity and its reconstruction in conjunction with the deltoid ligament has been proposed to restore the tibiotalar and talonavicular joint stability. The aim of the present study is to determine the effect of spring ligament injury and subsequent reconstruction on static joint reactive force using a non-invasive method of measurement. Methods Ten fresh-frozen human cadaveric lower legs were disarticulated at the knee joint. Static joint reactive force of the tibiotalar and talonavicular joint were measured at baseline, after spring ligament injury, and after ligament reconstruction. Reconstruction consisted of a forked semitendinosis allograft with dual limbs to reconstruct the tibionavicular and tibiocalcaneal ligaments. Findings The mean baseline joint reactive force of the tibiotalar and talonavicular joints were 37.2 N + 8.1 N and 13.4 N + 4.2 N, respectively. The spring ligament injury model resulted in a significant 29% decrease in tibiotalar joint reactive force. Reconstruction of the tibionavicular limb resulted in a significant increase in tibiotalar and talonavicular joint reactive force compared to those seen in the injury state. Furthermore, the addition of the tibiocalcaneal limb significantly increased tibiotalar joint reactive force compared to those results obtained from the injury state and the tibionavicular limb alone. Interpretation This is the first study to demonstrate diminished tibiotalar static joint reactive force in a spring ligament injury model with subsequent joint reactive force restoration using two-limbed reconstruction of the deltoid and spring ligament. Level of Evidence: Biomechanical Study.

Background. Ankle joint stability dictates treatment in ligamentous supination external rotation ankle injuries (LSERAI). Investigation of the medial structures that support the ankle mortise is critical, and a small avulsion fracture, or “fleck”, of the medial malleolus is occasionally encountered. This study aimed to assess the utility of this medial malleolus fleck sign (MMFS) in diagnosing instability requiring surgery in LSERAI. Methods. This retrospective observational study examined 166 LSERAI at a single level I trauma center. A standardized diagnostic and treatment protocol for ankle fractures was followed. LSERAI at presentation were reported as having a normal, dynamically wide, or statically wide medial clear space. Patient demographics, MMFS characteristics, and the use of operative management were recorded. Results. MMFS incidence in the cohort was 16 (10%) of 166 and was present in 25% of patients with unstable LSERAI. Fifteen (94%) of 16 patients with a MMFS were deemed to have an unstable LSERAI (P < .005). MMFS had a 25% sensitivity and 99% specificity in diagnosing an unstable LSERAI. For the subgroup of patients without a statically wide medial clear space, MMFS had a 50% sensitivity and 99% specificity in determining instability. Conclusion. A MMFS may be indicative of an unstable LSERAI. With previous MRI studies demonstrating complete deltoid disruption in unstable LSERAI, we deduce the MMFS may be associated with extensive deltoid incompetence. The MMFS may help to diagnose a complete deltoid injury in LSERAI with a normal medial clear space, which could influence treatment and reduce patient morbidity, radiation exposure, and healthcare costs. Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective Cohort Study

Deltoid ligament reconstruction allows for joint preservation of the ankle in the setting of patients a triple arthrodesis due to a flat foot deformity. Although the increased forces that may occur in the ankle joint after a triple arthrodesis cannot be eliminated, reconstruction of the ligament will delay and may prevent the onset arthritis, allowing the patient to maintain mobility of the ankle joint. The anatomy, surgery, and risks and benefits are discussed.

Isolated fractures of the medial malleolus have been classified recently by Herscovici into four types. Most of these injuries can be managed conservatively. Surgical management depends upon the fracture anatomy. We describe the surgical technique and postoperative management of a patient with isolated fracture of the medial malleolus with an intra-articular step. Management requires careful evaluation of ankle stability and soft tissues around the ankle before making a decision.

Background: There is an increasing interest in the operative treatment of deltoid ligament disruption in the setting of chronic ankle instability. Understanding the vascular anatomy of the deltoid complex is beneficial when considering operative procedures on the medial ankle and may provide insight into factors that lead to chronic deltoid insufficiency and ankle instability. Methods: Thirty-two pairs of cadaveric specimens (64 total legs) were amputated below the knee, and the tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, and peroneal arteries were injected with India ink and Ward’s blue latex. Specimens then underwent chemical debridement to identify the vascular supply to the deltoid ligament. A subset of specimens also underwent intraosseous debridement using the modified Spalteholz technique. Results: The vascular supply to the deltoid ligament was clearly visualized in 60 (93.8%) specimens. Fifty-eight specimens (96.7%) had arterial supply with an origin from the medial tarsal artery, 57 specimens (95%) had supply from the tibialis posterior artery, and 23 (38.3%) specimens had supply from the tibialis anterior artery. All specimens had at least 1 location of intraosseous vascular supply, either at the medial malleolus or medial talus. Conclusion: There were 3 separate extraosseous sources and 2 intraosseous sources of vascular supply to the deltoid ligament. Clinical Relevance: Knowledge of the vascular supply may aid in identifying factors that predispose a subset of patients with medial ankle sprains to failure of conservative treatment, as well as provide useful anatomic information when considering operative treatment for chronic ankle instability.

External rotation and gravity stress radiographs have been described to distinguish stable supination-external rotation-II (SER-II) ankle fractures from unstable SER-IV fractures. It has been previously shown that both external rotation and gravity stress views are equivalent in their ability to diagnose deltoid ligament injury. It has also been shown that the position of the ankle influences the external rotation stress radiograph. However, no data of ankle position exist for gravity stress radiographs.Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric ankles were dissected and destabilized sequentially according to the SER mechanism of ankle fractures, starting with the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, distal fibula osteotomy at the level of the syndesmosis, posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, superficial deltoid ligament, and finally the deep deltoid ligament. Fluoroscopic radiographs were taken with gravity stress views in both neutral and plantarflexion. Measurements of both dorsal and the medial clear space were taken for each stage. The difference between the dorsal and medial clear space was measured.Positive predictive value (PPV) with a medial clear space cutoff of 5 mm was 80% in plantarflexion and 72.72% in neutral with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% in both positions. Using a 6-mm cutoff, the PPV improved to 100% and NPV remained 100% for both neutral and plantarflexion. When the difference measurement is used, a 1.0-mm difference yielded a PPV of 72% and an NPV of 100% in both neutral and plantarflexion. With a 1.5-mm cutoff, the PPV and NPV were 100% for both positions.The position of the ankle during gravity stress radiographs does not influence the clinical effectiveness of the images. Using larger references for stability, the PPV can be improved.

Operative fixation of medial malleolar fractures, whether isolated or in the setting of bi- or trimalleolar fractures, remains controversial. Increasingly, anatomic reduction and internal fixation is used to treat medial malleolar fractures to avoid long-term sequelae of symptomatic nonunion and posttraumatic osteoarthritis. However, outcomes have not been significantly different between operative and nonoperative cohorts. Repair of associated deltoid ligament disruption is not common because of reportedly poor outcomes. This review provides an overview of the literature on medial malleolar fracture fixation and current treatment options. [ Orthopedics. 2017; 40(2):e216–e222.]

Introduction: The “logsplitter injury” is a special type of ankle fractures that results from high energy violence with combined rotational forces and axial loads. So far, the diagnose and treatment of “logsplitter injury” remain largely unsettled and related literature is rare. Patient concerns: An 18-year-old male fell from a fence and got his left ankle injured with severe malformation and swollen condition. No open wound was observed. Diagnosis: Logsplitter injury, ankle fracture (AO/OTA classification 44C1.1, Lauge-Hansen classification: pronation-external rotation). Interventions and outcomes: The patient was initially treated by internal fixation of fibular, repair of deltoid ligaments, and 1 syndesmotic screw fixation. When the X-ray applied after surgery, another 2 syndesmotic screws were performed to enhance stability. The syndesmotic screws were removed at 12-week and 16-week respectively. The patient was allowed for full weight-bearing immediately. However, the syndesmotic space was slightly increased compared to the contralateral side in CT views at 1-year follow-up, the function outcome was satisfied. Conclusion: The logsplitter injury is a high-energy ankle fracture that requires both axial and rotational load. It is categorized as 44B or 44C by the AO/OTA classification. In the classification scheme of Lauge-Hansen, our case is in line with the pronation-external rotation classification. Anatomic reduction and fixation of ankle syndesmotic injuries are required to restore the biomechanics of the ankle joint so that long-term complications can be prevented. How to fixation the syndesmosis, whether to reconstruct the deltoid ligament remains in debate in the treatment of logsplitter injury, whether and when to remove the syndesmotic screws were still debated. Correct surgical intervention is successful in the treatment of “logsplitter injury”, however, the optimal fixation of syndesmosis and repair of deltoid ligaments need further investigate.

Medial ankle instability secondary to deltoid ligament insufficiency is frequently encountered when performing total ankle replacement and remains a challenge. In the present techniques report, we describe a "reverse" Evans peroneus brevis tendon nonanatomic deltoid ligament reconstruction for medial ankle stabilization harvested through limited incisions using simple topographic anatomic landmarks. The harvested peroneus brevis tendon is brought through a drill hole in the talus from laterally to medially, aiming for the junction of the talar neck and body plantar to the midline. The tendon is the brought superiorly and obliquely to the anterior medial aspect of the distal tibia where it is secured under a plate and screw construct. This modified Evans peroneus brevis tendon nonanatomic deltoid ligament reconstruction is useful in providing medial ankle stability during or after primary and revision total ankle replacement.

Following IRB approval, a cohort of 3-D rigid-body computational models was created from submillimeter MRIs of clinically diagnosed Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity patients and employed to investigate postoperative foot/ankle function and surgical effect during single-leg stance. Models were constrained through physiologic joint contact, passive soft-tissue tension, active muscle force, full body weight, and without idealized joints. Models were validated against patient-matched controls using clinically utilized radiographic angle and distance measures and plantar force distributions in the medial forefoot, lateral forefoot, and hindfoot. Each model further predicted changes in strain for the spring ligament, deltoid ligament, and plantar fascia, as well as joint contact loads for three midfoot joints, the talonavicular, navicular-1st cuneiform, and calcaneocuboid. Radiographic agreement ranged across measures, with average absolute deviations of

Background: There is heterogeneity in the literature regarding the anatomy and number of ligamentous bands that form the deltoid ligament (DL). Anatomic knowledge of the DL and its variations are important for surgeons who repair ankle fractures. Methods: The DL was dissected in 33 ankles from 17 formalin-fixed cadavers (mean age at death, 76.6 years) to examine its morphology. The length, width, and thickness of its constituent bands were recorded with a digital caliper. Descriptive and correlational statistics were used to investigate the relationships between band size, age at death, and sex. A literature review was conducted to compare our data to those of previous studies. Results: The DL has superficial and deep layers with up to 8 different bands. Conclusion: The DL stabilizes the medial ankle and should be evaluated in flatfoot deformities and severe ankle fractures. Clinical Relevance: Anatomic knowledge of DL variations should aid the surgeon in repairing torn DLs.

We present a case of a snowboard injury that caused a combination of a complete deltoid and anterior talofibular ligament rupture, without bony or syndesmotic injury. Initial surgical repair for both ligaments was performed. We describe the etiology of this injury to demonstrate the cause and existence of medial and lateral ankle ligament rupture without osseous and syndesmotic involvement and to create awareness of these types of injuries.

To identify the pattern of deltoid ligament injury after acute ankle injury and the relationship between ankle fracture and deltoid ligament tear by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty-six patients (32 male, and 4 female; mean age, 29.8 years) with acute deltoid ligament injury who had undergone MRI participated in this study. The deltoid ligament was classified as having 3 superficial and 2 deep components. An image analysis included the integrity and tear site of the deltoid ligament, and other associated injuries. Association between ankle fracture and deltoid ligament tear was assessed using Fisher’s exact test (P

The coracoid process is the origin of the trapezoid ligament, the deltoid ligament, and the coracoacromial ligament (CAL). Detailed knowledge about their anatomy is crucial for surgical procedures such as the reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments or coracoid transfer. Although the coracoclavicular ligaments are considered important stabilizers of the acromioclavicular joint and are therefore highly protected, the CAL seems less important, which is why it is generally cut during coracoid transfer procedures. However, there is evidence that the CAL contributes to muscular balance and stabilization of the shoulder girdle. Therefore, an individual approach should be considered during coracoid transfer to save at least parts of the CAL.

The deltoid ligament complex is known as medial stabilizer in the ankle against pronation/eversion. Lateral dual-ligament laxity often results in chronic ankle instability with recurring ankle sprain trauma. The goal of this study is to examine the lateral stabilizing role of the deltoid ligament complex against supination/inversion in case of existing lateral ligament instability. A torsion simulation was performed on 12 fresh human lower leg cadaver specimens in a loading frame and a specially designed mounting platform. The preset torsion between tibia and calcaneus was primarily set at 30° of internal rotation on specimen in plantar flexion and hind foot inversion. The measured variable was the resisting torque recorded around mechanical tibial axis, which ensures stability in ankle sprain trauma. The first series of measurements were performed on healthy specimens and the following after transecting structures in following order: anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) in combination with calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), followed by anterior tibiotalar ligament and posterior tibiotalar ligament and finally tibiocalcaneal ligament (TCL). The combined lateral ATFL and CFL instability showed a decrease in the resisting torque, which ensures stability in ankle sprain trauma. Only a transection of TCL (superficial layer of deltoid ligament complex) with existing lateral dual-ligament instability results in a significant decrease in torque (p

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of an anatomic bundle reconstruction of the deltoid ligament in patients with stage IV adult flatfoot deformity. Materials and Methods Eleven patients (50.8 ± 8.1 years, 4 females) were treated with such a procedure combined with osseous realignment as needed. Results At 43 months the tibiotalar angle improved from 26.3 degrees (Range 18 – 35) to 11.0 degrees (Range 5 – 18). The AOFAS score improved from 37.4 points (Range 30 – 50) to 85.1 points (Range 82 – 90). No severe complications occurred in this group. Conclusion Anatomic bundle reconstruction of the deltoid ligament is an effective method in the correction of the tibitalar tilt in servere adult pes planus deformity. Level-of-Evidence Level IV - Case series

This study was performed to clarify the morphologic characteristics of two layers of the posterior tibiotalar ligament (PTT) and two bands of the deep PTT (dPTT), and to correlate the dissection findings with MR images. Sixty-four ankles from 42 cadavers were examined. The origin and insertion sites of the superficial PTT (sPTT) and the two bands of the dPTT were identified, and their length, width, and thickness were measured. MRI was performed on four ankles before serial sectioning or dissection. The serial sections were taken at a thickness of 2 mm. The sPTT was observed in 50 out of 60 dissected specimens (83.3%), taken from 64 ankles of 42 cadavers. The dPTT was observed in all specimens. The sPTT, superficial band of the dPTT (sdPTT), and deep band of the dPTT (ddPTT) arose from the inferior surface of the medial malleolus. The sPTT attached to the posterior process of the talus, and the sdPTT and ddPTT attached to the depression below the articular facet for the medial malleolus. The sPTT and two bands of the dPTT could be distinguished on coronal MR images, where the sPTT appeared as a thin string superficial to the two bands of the dPTT, which were separated as two thick, low-density strings. In the coronal plane of frozen sections, the outermost sPTT appeared as a thin, white bundle attached to the sdPTT. The PTT is composed of superficial and deep layers, and the dPTT is composed of superficial and deep bands. Clin. Anat. 27:798–803, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The calcaneonavicular (spring) ligament complex is a critical static support of the medial arch of the foot. Compromise of this structure has been implicated as a primary causative factor of talar derotation leading to the clinical deformity of peritalar subluxation. Few procedures have been described to address this deficiency. The technique we describe here is a simple yet effective method to reconstruct the spring ligament complex that can easily be used in conjunction with other more commonly used procedures for extra-articular reconstructions of this deformity. We believe this procedure allows for a more powerful deformity correction and may decrease dependency on other nonanatomic reconstructive procedures.